Plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid is powered by an electric motor and a combustion engine. In addition to recuperation, the HV lithium-ion battery can be charged at a socket or charging station, so that even longer stretches can be covered on electric power only.

Plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid is powered by an electric motor and a combustion engine. In addition to recuperation, the HV lithium-ion battery can be charged at a socket or charging station, so that even longer stretches can be covered on electric power only.

Find out more about the plug-in hybrid drive system from Mercedes-Benz.

Charging socket

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be charged externally via a charging socket on the right-hand side of the rear bumper.

Thanks to an intelligent on-board charging system, you can charge the battery through a wallbox, through a normal domestic socket or at one of the public charging points that are becoming an increasingly common sight.

The electric motor and an additional decoupler between the combustion engine and electric motor are completely integrated into the hybrid head of the standard-specification 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission.

Depending on the model, four- or six-cylinder spark-ignition engines are combined with hybrid modules and batteries with different performance ratings.

If required, the output of the combustion engine is supported by the electric motor – for an extra boost when accelerating. The result is performance that combines driving pleasure and comfort with minimal consumption and low emissions.

Recuperation allows energy to be recovered when decelerating and braking.

The greatest potential for consumption reduction in hybrid drive systems lies in the maximisation of energy recovery when decelerating and braking. When you press down on the brake pedal, the electric motor initially takes on the task of decelerating the vehicle, acting as an alternator.

The plug-in hybrid models

The plug-in hybrid models

The plug-in hybrid vehicles from Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

I'm looking for innovations. Is Mercedes-Benz traditionally always the right place to come?

Yes. The dynamism and efficiency of an electric motor with external charging function for daily driving in the city combined with the range of an internal combustion engine: enjoy the best of both worlds with the plug-in hybrid.

Combined consumption below 2.5 l/100 km* – the C 350 e Sedan is the most economical of all the C-Class models. Without compromising on dynamism whatsoever: with a system output of 205 kW (279 hp) and a peak torque of 600 Nm, the C 350 e Sedan sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6.0 s. The internal combustion engine alone is rated at 155 kW and 350 Nm, while the electric motor developing 60 kW and 340 Nm provides a boost in power when accelerating. Or the latter can power the vehicle on its own in the city – for up to 31 kilometers*. External charging of the lithium-ion HV battery is as fast as it is uncomplicated (approx. 90 min via Wallbox/charging station or approx. 180 min via a domestic power outlet). The pre-entry climate control creates a supreme feeling of well-being. And the C 350 e Sedan also scores highly on everyday practicality with its boot capacity of 335 liters - a highly impressive figure for plug-in hybrids. C 350 e Sedan system output: 205 kW (279 hp).

The GLE 500 e 4MATIC. The first SUV with plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz.

A unique combination of environmental compatibility and driving pleasure.

The GLE 500 e 4MATIC. The first SUV with plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz.

A unique combination of environmental compatibility and driving pleasure.

With a system output of 325 kW (442 hp) and a peak torque of 650 Nm, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC delivers outstanding performance. The turbocharged V6 petrol engine is rated at 245 kW (333 hp) with a peak torque of 480 Nm; the permanent electric motor develops up to 85 kW (115 hp) and a torque of 340 Nm. Alternatively the electric motor can power the vehicle all on its own – for up to 30 kilometers* and with a top speed of up to 130 km/h. The lithium-ion HV battery with a capacity of 8.7 kWh takes no longer than 2 hours to charge at charging stations or 4 hours via a domestic power outlet. Plus it is charged by recuperation whilst driving to improve availability of the required energy. Be it for exceptionally efficient driving – or for the extra torque provided by the boost function when overtaking, for example. Furthermore, with all-wheel drive and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission on board, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC can even tackle demanding off-road challenges. GLE 500 e 4MATICsystem output: 325 kW (442 hp).

Production for this model has been discontinued. New model details to be announced.

33 km*

electric range

5.2 s

from 0-100 km/h

Ultramodern hybrid with innovations and luxury appointments you’ve come to expect from the S-Class.

Ultramodern hybrid with innovations and luxury appointments you’ve come to expect from the S-Class.

"The S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID offers our customers the entire range of innovations that make our new S-Class so successful, and thanks to its intelligent operating strategy ensures outstanding driving pleasure and dynamism combined with the highest efficiency. Moreover, it allows completely emission-free driving for up to 33 km," says Ola Källenius, Executive Vice-President for Sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The Mercedes-Benz S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID offers a system output of 325 kW and 650 Nm torque, and in just 5.2 seconds sprints from 0 to 100 km/h and can drive up to 33 km* purely electrically. The certified consumption is 2.8 litres/100 km, which corresponds to 65 g CO2/km emissions.

Its new high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be externally recharged via the charging socket in the right side of the rear bumper.

It also features extended pre-entry climate control – enjoy the convenience of pre-setting the temperature prior to departure via Mercedes me connect.

Find out more about the plug-in hybrid.

The best of both worlds – the plug-in hybrid with faster acceleration thanks to the electric extra boost.

The combination of electric motor and petrol engine allow you, as the driver, to experience a completely new dimension in driving. The plug-in hybrid's innovative functions will change your ideas about electric mobility.

Find out more about the plug-in hybrid.

The best of both worlds – the plug-in hybrid with faster acceleration thanks to the electric extra boost.

The combination of electric motor and petrol engine allow you, as the driver, to experience a completely new dimension in driving. The plug-in hybrid's innovative functions will change your ideas about electric mobility.

Plug-in hybrid drive programs

Comfort, exceptional efficiency or sport – there are different drive programs to choose from, depending on the model.

In the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class 500 e, for example these are:

E (Economy): comfortable, economical driving style which uses the electric drive as often as possible. The combustion engine remains dormant, even during the journey. The ECO start/stop function is available.

E+ (Economy Plus): like drive program E, but with an added double pulse from the haptic accelerator pedal to prompt the driver to release the pedal. Once the pedal has been released, the vehicle's gliding behaviour is adapted to suit the traffic situation.

S-Class 500 e long-wheelbase version: power consumption in combined test cycle: from 15.5 kWh/100 km; combined fuel consumption: 2.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 65 g/km.<p>Stated figures represent "measured NEDC CO2 figures" as per Article 2 No. 2 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153, determined in compliance with Appendix XII of Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008. Fuel consumption figures have been calculated on this basis. As a result of statutory changes to crucial test methods, higher figures may have been entered in the vehicle's certificate of compliance, a document relevant to vehicle registration and vehicle tax. The figures are not based on an individual vehicle and do not constitute part of the product offer; they are provided solely for purposes of comparison between different vehicle models. The figures vary depending on the selected optional equipment. There may be deviations from the certified standard values under real driving conditions. The actual values are influenced by numerous individual factors, e.g. the driver's driving style, environmental conditions and the conditions of the route.</p>

Plug-in hybrid operating modes

Operating modes in the plug-in hybrid.

Plug-in hybrid operating modes

Operating modes in the plug-in hybrid.

You can influence the adjustment between electric motor and combustion engine by selecting a drive program and also via the operating mode switch.

Depending on the drive program, four operating modes are available:

Hybrid: all hybrid functions such as electric mode, boost and recuperation are available and are automatically deployed according to the driving situation and the route to ensure the lowest possible consumption.

E-MODE: for driving on electric power only – for example in city centres or because the HV lithium-ion battery is sufficiently charged for the remainder of the route.

E-SAVE: the charge level of the HV lithium-ion battery is maintained – for driving on electric power only at a later point in the journey. Electric mode is therefore only available to a limited extent.

CHARGE: charges the HV lithium-ion battery via the combustion engine during the journey. Electric mode is not available here.

Plug-in hybrid operating-mode strategy

Plug-in hybrid operating-mode strategy

In "Hybrid" mode the route-based operating-mode strategy uses data from the COMAND Online navigation system to ensure that the most efficient use is made of the different operating modes. When a destination is input, the charge/discharge level of the HV lithium-ion battery is controlled for optimum energy use over the entire course of the journey. This ensures that when you reach urban areas, the battery will be as fully charged as possible so that you can drive around town on electric power only.

Plug-in hybrid accelerator pedal

Discernibly more efficient driving with the haptic accelerator pedal.

Plug-in hybrid accelerator pedal

Discernibly more efficient driving with the haptic accelerator pedal.

The haptic accelerator pedal makes changing operating mode easier: if you feel a pressure point in the accelerator pedal during electric driving in E-MODE, you have called up the maximum available electrical power. If you continue pressing the accelerator, the combustion engine kicks in. The ECO Assistant uses a double pulse to signal that, in this given driving situation, you should take your foot off the accelerator in order to switch off the combustion engine.